PRAIRIE NATURAL AREAS TECH
APPLY TODAY; Position open until filled
Position Dates: Seasonal; June -TBD Grant-funded ~500 hours, possible continuation; Flexible Hours
Location: Work will occur at Grand Prairie Friends’ unique prairie and savanna sites in Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion counties. Focus given to sites in Watseka, Loda, Paxton, Danville. All sites are enrolled in the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as dedicated nature preserves. Experience in plant identification and land management services required as this is a highly independent work situation.
DUTIES:
- • Identify, monitor and manage invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods; this can include use of prescribed burning, bladed trimmers, hand loppers, and backpack herbicide applications
- • Identify and collect native seed from natural areas, properly store and complete record-keeping for native seed inventory
- • Assist with prescribed fall/spring burns
- • Assist with ecological monitoring and biological site assessment projects
- • Assist the Natural Areas Manager in executing projects, as directed
- • Become familiar with IL nature preserve management plans for each site. As a nature preserve, these sites require high attention to detail, timely response to invasive threats and recording of treatment activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- • High School diploma or GED; Pref. coursework in natural resources, horticulture, biology, etc.
- • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- • Knowledge of Illinois grassland plants/ seeds
- • Experience in prescribed fire & seed collection techniques, strongly preferred
- • Pesticide Applicator License required
- • Experience and skills to independently and safely operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment including the use of chain saws, brushcutter
SKILLS:
- • Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
- • Ability to complete land management tasks independently, as described by Natural Areas Manager
- • Work independently in remote areas without close supervision
- • Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Requires strenuous physical work; Frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
$17/hr. or based on experience
Applications will be reviewed immediately; position open until filled. Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Sarah@grandprairiefriends.org
Direct stewardship-specific questions to Jeff Peyton at Jeff@grandprairiefriends.org.
Grand Prairie Friends serves as a private, not-for-profit, conservation land trust whose mission is to preserve and restore natural communities in east-central Illinois and promote an understanding and appreciation of natural resources. Grand Prairie Friends owns and manages over 1,100 acres of remnant and restored tallgrass prairie, woodland and wetlands in Champaign, Coles, Ford, Iroquois, Shelby and Vermilion counties.